Wyoming AML Project 17J, Kleenburn Site, has been selected by the United States Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining, to receive their 2011 Western Regional Reclamation Award.

Since 1986, the Office of Surface Mining has presented awards to coal mine operators who completed exemplary reclamation. A parallel award program for abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation began in 1992. The objective is to give public recognition to those responsible for the nation's most outstanding achievement in environmentally sound land reclamation and to encourage the exchange and transfer of successful reclamation technology.

The Kleenburn AML Project exemplifies the spirit of Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) Title IV objectives of eliminating physical and environmental hazards associated with historic coal mining and returning those lands to productive uses that benefit the landowner and community. The Kleenburn AML Project has turned an abandoned coal mine site with numerous physical and environmental hazards into a community asset that provides desired recreational activities, protects fish and wildlife resources, and preserves a facet of coal mining’s history in Sheridan County, Wyoming. 

An article about the winners of the 2011 Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards can be found in the Wyoming Business Report at www.wyomingbusinessreport.com/article.asp?id=59927                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                                  


      Kleenburn Site - Before                                Kleenburn Site - After